If the art of modern politics is triangulation—finding a middle ground between right and left—then Junichiro Koizumi's visit to the Ya-sukuni shrine last week was a study in failure. First, the Japanese prime minister tried to please right-wing nationalists by announcing he would visit the memorial to Japan's war dead on Aug. 15, the anniversary of Japanese surrender in World War II. Then, responding to criticism, he abruptly switched plans and dropped by two days earlier for a quick, private visit. The rightwas disappointed, the left hardly mollified; Japan's neighbors were furious, and the rest of the world was startled. Where is Dick Morris when you need him?
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